LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT MARKING TWO YEARS SINCE THE TERRORIST ATTACK OF OCTOBER 7

Today, to mark two years since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries met with former Israeli and American hostages and the families of current hostages and released the following statement:

Two years ago, we watched in horror and heartbreak as Israel was brutally attacked by Hamas terrorists. Today, we are reminded of the painful reality that Israel and the Jewish people are in a constant struggle for their existence, and reiterate America's commitment to the safety and security of our democratic ally.

As we solemnly commemorate the attack, we also recommit ourselves to the cause of eradicating terror and the achievement of a just and lasting peace in the region. That involves making sure that every single hostage who has been held in barbaric captivity for two years, living or dead, is released immediately. It is also critical that the devastation in Gaza ends now and that sustained humanitarian assistance is surged to Palestinian civilians who have been in harm's way in a theater of war through no fault of their own. Hamas must lay down its arms, and a governance structure must be established that allows for normalized relations between Israel and the Palestinian people living side-by-side in peace, security and prosperity.

Leader Jeffries meets with former Israeli hostages and the family of American-Israeli hostage Omer Neutra in his Capitol Hill office to commemorate two years since October 7.

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